12 Best Alternatives For Microblading – Affordable & Safe
Microblading- is a tattooing technique for brow enhancement, that uses a small handheld tool with tiny needles. This creates hair-like strokes while also depositing semi-permanent pigment under your skin.
This application can be very expensive and is not for everyone, especially for those who are; pregnant, have scars around the area, and certain health issues. Citation.
But there are other options that you can use, so in this article, I will guide you through the best alternatives for microblading.
Microblading got DISCOLORED? – Click here to see what the colors mean and how to fix them.
The 12 Best Alternatives to Microblading are:
- Brow Lamination– Perming of brows to allow them stand in one uniformed direction.
- MicroShading– Tattooing procedure that gives you the filling powder effect
- Ombre Brows– Gives you more of an ombre/faded effect
- Nano Brows- Makes tiny incision, while depositing pigment into skin.
- Brow Extension– Application of individual hairs to your existing eyebrow hair & directly to your skin
- Henna Brows– Tinting of brows using all-natural plant-based ingredients
- Brow Tinting– Applying semi-permanent dye/tint to brow area.
- Brow Gel– Tames & shape brow hairs by holding them in place.
- Brow Powder– Applying powder to fill in brow gaps, for a fuller look.
- Brow Pencil– Filling in of gapped area and outlining brows
- Brow Sticker– A sticker that mimic real eyebrow hair
- Brow Shaping Stencils/Stickers– Provide a perfect brow shape in various varieties, for different face shape & style.
OR Learn about a more advanced method to thicker eyebrows-Eyebrow Transplant- What to Expect, Costs, Pros & Cons
Does Microblading actually Ruin our Natural Brows– Click the link to see what really happens to them.
1. Brow Lamination
Brow lamination is pretty much a perm for your brows, without containing the regular harsh chemicals. This enhancement is basically the lifting of your own natural brows. Citation.
Click here to see FULL comparison Article-Eyebrow Tinting Vs Microblading – Which is Better
Learn more about the PROs and CONS on Brow Lamination
Best Brow Lamination Aftercare Oil & How to Use Correctly
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Brow Lamination vs Microblading
- Brow-lamination is a non-invasive treatment – Unlike microblading, brow lamination takes place over the skin, in other words, the skin is safe from the penetration of any sort of sharp/ pointed tools.
- Brow lamination is pain free since it is a is a non-invasive treatment done to the brow hair itself. (The skin does not undergo any procedure). This technique is perfect for those who are not fond of sharp and pointed objects
- Brow lamination cost less than microblading brow lamination application is just simply perming of your brows.
- Any skin type is perfect for brow lamination, since we are not actually getting into the skin. Unlike microblading which doesn’t do well for dry, sensitive nor oily skin (When microblading on oily skin the ink will fade faster & the strokes will expand during healing process)
- Touch-ups are not needed for brow lamination seeing that, it is a simple perming process that requires no touch-ups, unlike the microblading’s pigmented-ink will eventually fade over time. (fading is due to your day-to-day activities and too much sunlight).
- No risk of bacteria or any infections with brow lamination. unlike microblading there’s no direct contact to skin with any sharp/ pointed tool.
- Brow lamination has no healing period since we are not actually getting into the skin, unlike microblading procedure which takes 25- 30 days to fully heal. (Peeling and flakiness during healing process for microblading are normal)
- Microbladed brows lasts longer it can go up to 18-30 months, but you are required to touch-up 1-2 times yearly. Whereas, brow lamination can last for 4-6 weeks. You can then re-laminate your brows if you prefer. (duration of results is affected by how well you take care of them)
To make your laminated brows last longer, you will need to follow proper aftercare procedures. Click here See Aftercare Tips to make Brow Lamination Last Longer.
Is Brow Lamination Safe For Pregnancy? Click here to see WHY, & Safer Alternatives
What Are The Steps Taken in Brow Lamination
- Preparation of eyebrows– Your applicator will gently clean and comb the eyebrows so that the hairs are sitting in the desired direction.
- Applying brow lift– this is left on for an appropriate amount of time, based on the thickness of the hair. Then cleaned using a dry cotton pad.
- Shaping the eyebrows– applicator will comb brows (upward motions) followed by trimming and waxing area for the perfect formation of brows
- Applying brow lock – which helps to sculpt, and tame the hair to keep them in formation. This is then removed with a damp cotton pad.
- Tinting (optional) – Tinting is an extra step done for those who have very little brows and prefers a fuller bolder look.
- Finishing treatment – apply an oil treatment by gently combing the oil in between hairs, to nourish and replenish moisture.
Now if you are looking to do your own brow lamination at home you can either use a kit or you can DIY it.
Using a kit will give you the best results – you can click here to read how to use a kit and my 5 recommended brow lamination kits.
But if you want a more affordable and natural method, Click here to see 5 methods How you can DIY brow lamination at home without a Kit.
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Does Coconut Oil Help Eyebrows Grow – The Actual Truth. Start using your oils correctly to see real results.
2. Microshading
Microshading is a type of cosmetic tattooing procedure that gives you the filling powder effect – with the use of a handheld tool with multiple tiny needles. Citation.
These needles place tiny, pin-like dots while depositing pigmented ink over the brow area to fill in thin spots.
Microshading vs microblading
- Both microblading & microshading are invasive treatments. microshading allots tiny dots onto the epidermis, whereas, micro-blading allows for tiny incision on your skin.
- Microshading is less painful compared to microblading. That is if numbing cream was not applied (as per customer’s request).
- The pricing of both procedures are usually the same. however, it mainly depends on the location and/or technician. (With Microblading your out-of-pocket expense will be less, if you have beauty-insurance)
- Microshading is ideal for sensitive and oily skin types. unlike microblading.
- Touch-ups are required every 6-8 months for both microblading and shading. Due to semi-permanent ink fading . (fading is due to your day-to-day activities and too much sunlight).
- Both procedures can potentially cause an infection. Thats why it is advisable to make sure; your technician is certified, tools are new and proper sterilization is done.
- Microshading heals faster it take 7 to 14 day, whereas, microblading takes 25 to 30 days. (Peeling and flakiness during healing process for microblading are normal)
- Microshading gives off the powdered effect, it will not give you the natural look as microblading. Both results last for 18-30 months. (fading affected by how well you take care of them)
Steps in Micro-shading
- Cleansing of area– cleaning out of excess oil and cosmetic products
- Mapping out brow formation- Measuring out is done so the practician can easily draw out the brows formation.
- Trimming- trimming brows and waxing around the area.
- Numbing area- Your practician will then apply a numbing cream around the area
- Tattooing- Using the Microshading tool to firstly outline the brows then filling in of the blank spaces.
- Cleaning- She will clean the brows, then follow by an ointment (aftercare)
Step By Step How Microshading is Done
Tip: Once completely healed, always apply a layer of sunscreen SPF 30 up to SPF 50 on your eyebrows when exposed to the sun. Sun exposure might cause the color pigment to fade quickly.
3. Ombre Brows/ Powder Brows
Ombre Powder Brows/powdered brows, basically share the same procedure as Microshading, except for the fact that Ombre-brows uses a handheld device with one needle. This gives you more of an ombre/faded effect on the brow shading technique.
MicroBlading vs ombre brows/ powder brows
- Microblading and powder brows are invasive procedures. the powdered-brow allots tiny dots onto the epidermis, whereas, microblading allows for tiny incision on your skin.
- Ombre brows will be less painful. numbing cream are normally applied for these applications. but in case it wasn’t (by preference),
- Pricing of both procedures are usually the same, mainly between $500-$1000. However, it depends on the location and/or technician.
- Ombre brow is ideal for sensitive and oily skin type. unlike microblading. (When microblading on oily skin the ink will fade faster & the strokes will expand during healing process)
- Both procedures require to be touched-up every 6-8 months due to fading of the semi-permanent ink. (fading is due to your day-to-day activities and too much sunlight).
- The risk of infection can be slightly possible if your technician is not certified, and does not follow proper sterilization procedures.
- Ombre brows heals faster than microblading. Ombre brows healing process should take 7 to 14 day, whereas, microblading takes 25 to 30 days. (Peeling and flakiness during healing process for microblading are normal)
- Ombre brow give you a powder-like effect, it will not give you the natural look as micro-blading. Both results can last for 18-30 months. (fading of ink is affected by how well you take care of them)
Steps in Ombre-Brow / Powdered-Brows
- Cleaning out of excess oil and cosmetic products
- Mapping out brow’s formation
- Trimming and waxing of the brow is done to achieve precise formation.
- Outlining of Brows using the hand-held tools
- Numbing the area using a numbing cream
- Shading of brows using the handheld tool to create the famous ombre look
- She will clean the brows, then follow by an ointment (aftercare)
4. Nano brows
Basically, nano blading is a cosmetic technique that uses ultra-fine nano-needles to deposit pigments into the first layer of the skin. And due to the super-thin needle used for the application, the strokes are more controlled and precise. Thus making the strokes actually resemble the diameter and dimension of real hair.
Nano-blading and microblading are actually very similar. They basically share the same outcome. However, there are still some key differences such as:-
- Nanoblading and micro-blading basically shares the same lifespan
- Nanoblading is a bit more expensive
- Nanoblading lines are finer compared to microblading
Cheaper Alternatives For Microblading
5. brow extension
Eyebrow extensions are the act of applying individual hairs (typically mink or synthetic hair) to your existing eyebrow hair and directly to your skin with the use of medical-grade glue. This enhancement allows your natural brows to look lengthened and thicker.
Brow extension vs micro-blading
- Brow extension is a non-invasive treatment which takes place over the skin, in other words, the skin is safe from the penetration of any sort of sharp/ pointed tools.
- False brow application is completly pain free this non-invasive treatment done to the brow hair itself. This technique is perfect for those who are not fond of sharp and pointed objects.
- The cost of Brow extensions is cheaper than microblading. however, it will vary based on the application that is needed (full, half or brow refills).
- Brow extension works amazing for all skin types. unlike micro-blading.
- No risk of infection since brow extension there is no need for, getting into the skin with any tools.
- No healing period required for brow extension, unlike microblading
- Brow extension take up to 30 mins-1hr to apply, unlike micro-blading take 1-2hrs. (all depending on customer’s requirements and brows)
- Brow extension adds texture, and can last for 2 weeks unlike microblading which lasts much longer (it depends alot on how well you take care of them) .
- Risk of dissatisfaction are low seeing that alteration can be done on the spot.
Where You Can Get Brow Extension
You can click here to see the current price for a Brow Extension Kit on Amazon.
This kit comes with everything needed to apply brow extensions.
6. henna brows
Henna brows are a form of eyebrow tinting, that uses all-natural plant-based ingredients without containing any harmful chemicals.
Basically, this enhancement stains the skin beneath the brow hairs to cast a shadow or create an illusion of depth and fullness in the area, visually filling in any sparseness.
Henna brow vs microblading
- No risk of infections caused from tools (just make sure to test on skin first in case of an allergic reaction)
- Henna brows are more simple and can be applied by your self.
- Microblading lasts longer than henna brows (stain from the skin last from 1-2 weeks and the dye on eyebrows lasts 6-8)
- Henna brows are more affordable.
- No pain, no recovery time unlike microblading.
- This is the most natural way of brow enhancement.
Where You Can Get a Henna Brow Kit
Click here to learn more about Henna Brows and How you can easily DIY at home.
See the 5 Best Henna Brow Kit – Safe & Effective
How Long to Leave Eyebrow Tint On & What Could Go Wrong
7. brow tinting
Eyebrow tinting is the process of applying semi-permanent dye/tint, for enhancing the shape, and definition of your brows.
This technique leaves a stain of color on the skin and darkens the fine hairs in the inner core of the brow. This creates a longer brow line (brow tail) or fuller front
Refectocil Eyebrow Tint Review – Is it Safe & How to Use
Brow tinting vs microblading
- No risk of infections caused from tools (just make sure its safe and not give any skin reaction)
- Microblading last longer than brow tinting which lasts only 3-5 weeks(But you can click here to see how to make brow tint last longer)
- Eyebrow tinting is more affordable.
- No pain, no recovery time needed, unlike microblading.
Where to Get a Brow Tint Kit
Brow Tints are available in different shades, click here to see them on Amazon.
How Long to Leave Eyebrow Tint On & What Could Go Wrong
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To learn more about Brow tinting Vs Microblading, you can click here to read my full comparison of these two procedures.
How Long to Leave Eyebrow Tint On & What Could Go Wrong
Eyebrow Hack with Beard Dye–How To Use Beard Dye For Eyebrows & Pros & Cons
7 Ways to DIY EyeBrow Tint at Home – Natural & Safe
8. brow gel
The gel is a beauty product, which is applied with a wand-like applicator that resembles that of a mascara. The gel formula contains ingredients that help in taming and shaping brow hairs by holding them in place.
The brow gel comes in both tinted and clear versions; those that are tinted can also help fill in gaps in the arches and add definition, while clear does best for persons with fuller brows.
Brow Gel For Thicker Brows – How To Use & Possible Side Effects
Wunderbrow Gel Review– How Long Will it Last & Is it Safe
6 Safe & Easy DIY Alternatives to Brow Gel
See more on How to effectively TAME AND FIX UNRULY BROWS
Brow gel vs microblading
- Add volume to brows unlike microblading
- No risk of infections caused from tools, No pain, no recovery time needed, unlike microblading.
- Easy to apply by oneself and takes one 1-2 minutes, unlike micro-blading needs an applicator and takes longer.
- It is very temporary (a cosmetic thats applies when you want a fuller brow) unlike microblading is semi-permanent.
- Brow gels are more affordable.
where to get brow gel
You can get an amazing volumizing gel on Amazon, click here to see the current price.
9. Brow Powder
This is a powdered-like makeup product for your brows. That is used to perfect your brow shape and fill in gapped areas to create the appearance of fuller-looking eyebrows. This is a very temporary look-a-like to ombre-brow and microshading.
brow Powder Vs Micro-Blading
- Perfect for shaping of brows to your specific liking
- No risk of infections caused from tools, No pain, no recovery time needed, unlike microblading.
- Easy to apply by oneself and takes one 1-2 minutes. unlike micro-blading needs an applicator and takes longer.
- It is very temporary (a cosmetic product that is applied when you want a fuller brow) unlike microblading which is semi-permanent.
- Brow powder are more affordable.
Where to get brow powder
10. brow pencil
A cosmetic pencil that is applied to the brows for enhancement (to your personal liking) by filling in gapped areas and to perfect its shape.
brow pencil vs micro-Blading
- Perfect for shaping of brows to your specific liking
- No risk of infections caused from tools, No pain, no recovery time needed, unlike micro-blading.
- Easy to apply by oneself and takes one 1-2 minutes. unlike micro-blading needs an applicator and takes longer.
- It is very temporary (a cosmetic product thats applied when you want a fuller brow) unlike micro-blading which is semi-permanent.
- These pencils are more affordable.
Where to Get a brow pencil
Tired of sketchy brow pencils? Click here on Amazon to see Wet n Wild Ultimate Eyebrow Retractable Definer Pencil for an easy and smooth application.
11. eyebrow stickers
Eyebrow tattoo stickers are temporary stickers that mimic real eyebrow hair, perfect for individuals with very little or no brows. This application is time-saving, they can be applied within 5 minutes to give you the “perfect brow look”.
eye brow stickers vs microblading
- Can be used by individuals who have lost their brows due to cancer.
- Varieties available, allows you to interchange different style formations
- No risk of infections caused from tools, No pain, no recovery time needed, unlike micro-blading.
- Easy to apply by oneself and takes about 3-5 minutes. unlike microblading needs an applicator and takes longer.
- It is very temporary unlike microblading which is semi-permanent.
- These stickers are more affordable.
where to get eye brow stickers
You can click here to see the current price for easy-paste-on Eye Brow Stickers on Amazon.
12. eyebrow stencil & stickers
Eyebrow stencils are one of the fastest ways for perfectly formed brows. They come in various shapes and sizes, all depending on your preference and face shape.
There are two types:
The Stencil Ruler. These reusable, durable piece of material (normally plastic) sometimes with measurements are used by placing stencils over brows and filling them in using brow pencil and/or brow powder.
You can click here to see the price for Eyebrow stencils on Amazon.
Eyebrow Stencil Sticker– These are paper-like materials with one side being sticky, they are pasted in brow areas and filled in using brow powder/pencil.
Click here to see the price for Eyebrow stencil stickers on Amazon
eyebrow stencil & stickers Vs Microblading
- Can be used by individuals who have lost their eyebrows due to cancer.
- Varieties available, allows you to interchange different style formations
- No risk of infections caused from tools, No pain, no recovery time needed, unlike microblading.
- Easy to apply by oneself and takes about 3-5 minutes, unlike micro-blading needs an applicator and takes longer.
- It is very temporary unlike microblading which is semi-permanent.
- These stencils/stickers are more affordable.
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Eyebrow Waxing- Cost, Pros & Cons, Everything To Know
